What’s the point of a watch? For some, it’s a show of wealth. For others, it’s just a collector’s item.

Sometimes it gets lost in the shuffle that a watch is truly a small machine built for a purpose — to tell the time (and depending on the features, operate as a stopwatch, keep the date and wake you up in the mornings).

One of the areas where a watch is truly a precision instrument is in the sport of sailing. A sailor needs certain information and needs them to be relatively easy beyond the scope of just having a flashy piece of jewelry hanging from his or her wrist. Though they are meant to serve a purpose, the best of the best run can average a price tag of more than $1,000.

To start, one of the best models to own is Rolex’s aptly named Yacht-Master 40. This model debuted in 1992 and is the first Rolex to feature a rubber strap. The bezel insert is scratch proof, while it is waterproof up to 100 meters.

Another aptly named model is the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Chronograph ETNZ. With the long name, this Omega model features a five-minute regatta countdown scale. Omega is partners with America’s Cup, the yacht-sailing competition with roots dating back to 1851.

Tag Heuer designed a special edition watch for the Team Oracle USA sailors, dubbed the “Aquaracer 72.” The watch is designed to shed away saltwater spray from the ocean below and polarized lenses that allow for better reading.

George Jones

As in sailing, in 1954 we needed an accurate timepiece for dead reckoning and celestial navigation on our P2V Neptune Navy patrol aircraft. A Breitling Navigational Stop Watch was used and during a stopover at the
Rhein-Main Air Base – Frankfurt, Germany the locked aircraft was broken into and the Breitling was stolen. I went to the base Post Exchange and Rolex was suggested as being their most accurate watch. For $150 I bought a SS Oyster Perpetual with a suede leather strap. In flight I would set it by NIST WWV HF radio broadcasts and it was as accurate as and more convenient than the Breitling for celestial navigation with the a/c sextant. The Rolex finally stopped in the 70s and when I found out how much it would cost to service it, I put it away and forgot about it. If it turns up I’ll send it to you. and give it to my great grandson. I’m now wearing the Omega you serviced for me.

Bob Weber

Mark, I got my Rolex Yacht Master back from you last Tuesday. It looks brand new and I set the time according to my phone. Now 5 days later it has gained 6 seconds which means it’s more accurate then then when I puchased it new. Thanks again for your great service I’ll definitely use your service again. Sincerely Bob Weber